If you walked through Riverside Park in the centre of Andover on Saturday 25 September, you could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into a geeks universe. The recently opened Geeks Emporium in Waterloo Court (just across from Riverside Park) held its first GEEK FEST for the local charity DMK Potential. They are a youth charity “ enabling young people with the opportunities to grow up and become mature and confident members of society”
There were lots of Geeky trade stalls to browse around or have a chat with the stall holders, Steve’s 3D Printing are a local xompany and produce many different items and figures such as dice towers, money boxes, Pokemon figures and A4 wooden engraved book covers to name just a few.Much of Steve’s brilliant work is on sale in The Geek Emporium shop. Steve’s also online at http://Steves3DPrinting.co.uk/3d-printing or on Facebook: @steves3dprintinguk
Another stall displaying their goods was T.L.E CRAFTS by C.K.K. They specialise in personalised, homemade and woodwork items. They have a big selection of Halloween and Christmas personalised gifts for newborns to adults. Have a look at more of what they do on facebook @T.L.E CRAFTS by C.K.K
If you are having a Halloween party you might like to visit the Celebration Cube shop opening very soon on the first floor 12a High Street. They specialise in everything ‘party’ and can personalise items to make your event extra special. Their Cauldron POP balloon is amazing! The idea is to fill it with sweets and when the time is right POP it and share out the contents! You can either buy the Cauldron already blown up or in kit form.They have a huge range of balloons and geeky party items online as well as in the shop.. You can find them on www.celebrationcube.co.uk or on www.facebook.com/celebcube.
Suzi’s Doctor Who Craft were showcasing their very cute plush Doctor Who characters and many other sci-fi favourites They are all hand made and can be made to your specifications if possible She also makes beautiful plush dog keyrings. They are so sweet and completely original. Suzi sells online at www.suzisgeekerycraft.co.uk.
As I walked around I was greeted by Darth Vader, an Alien, Merciful Grace , Captain America and several Cosplay characters.
A big attraction for fans was the Lightning McQueen car from the ‘Cars’ movies and the instantly recognisable Volkswagen ‘Herbie’ from the Herbie films. Two Jurassic Park vehicles from the films of the same name were also on display Many children and adults took the opportunity to have their photo taken with these film favourites.
Lots of children completed The Geek Trail . They had to pick up a card and go round 10 different stalls and collect a sticker from each one and then present the completed card at The Geek Emporium to receive their prize of a Geeky goody bag.
There was also face painting and Merry-Go-Round storytelling sessions to keep little ones amused throughout the event.
Owner of the Geek Emporium Stuart Gatwald, who was extremely pleased to see so many people visit Geek Fest commented, “I have always been a geek since I was very young . My Mum loves all things sci-fi so I suppose it’s in my blood”. His shop carries a huge amount of stock. One of their most popular lines are the’Pops’ figures. Also popular are the T-shirt’s, paintings, comic books, dice towers, posters and Pokemon figures etc etc. You can find out more about what Stuart has on offer in his shop on facebook or at the shop itself at 9 Waverley Buildings, Waterloo Court, Andover SP10 1QJ .
Stuart will be pleased to welcome you and have a chat about geekiness.